Have you ever considered that a false church is in someway a blessing to Christianity?
False Churches Are A Blessing
The true church is defined in the Bible as a called-out assembly of those who are true followers of Jesus Christ. Of his true disciples, Jesus said, “For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.” (Matt. 12:50) The corollary would then mean that a false believer does not do the will of the Father. We know the will of the Father by what His Word says. It follows that false disciples must deny what scripture teaches:
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. (2 Peter 2:1-3)
Therefore, it can be said that a “false church” is one that does not proclaim the plain things of the Bible. I like this definition:
The false church: The body of self-identified Christians who may, or may not, have begun the process of sanctification through belief upon…Christ. The false church either rejects the infallibility of scripture outright, or seeks to rationalize and radically “reform,” revise or reinterpret scripture to justify sin.
False churches exist because of false believers or false converts. They do not want to hear the truth of the Bible, so these false brethren join together and create a church of their liking, complete with a false teacher:
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. (2 Tim. 4:3-4)
If all the preaching and teaching at a false church suddenly became good and Biblically sound, do you think the people that attend would also become true disciples? Perhaps a few would, but for the most part they would no longer attend that particular church. They would either go elsewhere or stop going anywhere. French political philosopherAlexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) said “In democracy we get the government we deserve.” With the freedom to choose one’s government, comes the responsibility for that government. The same is true in countries with religious freedom, where a group can easily set-up a church of their liking. It could be said, “With religious liberty, we get the church we deserve.”
In Romans 1, the Bible speaks of God giving people over to their sins:
Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. (verse 24)
For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural… (verse 26)
And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper… (verse 28)
This is a form of judgement: the removal of God’s restraining grace. Restraining grace is present even for unbelievers. Charles Spurgeon said of it:
Oh! what a mercy to be prevented from sinning, when God puts chains across the road, digs ditches, makes hedges, builds walls, and says to us, “No, you shall not go that way, I will not let you; you shall never have that to regret; you may desire it, but I will hedge up your way with thorns; you may wish it, but it never shall be yours.”
A false church is likewise an indication that God has removed his restraining grace. He has given that church over to the desires of its members. He is no longer preventing false teaching.
False churches, thus, are a blessing. First, they keep a lot of false converts out of good churches. There are enough false believers in our doctrinally sound churches already. If we closed all the false churches, where do you think their members would go? A lot would end up in your local, Bible-believing place of worship. Then they would undoubtedly begin to make changes to what is taught, which brings up the second reason false churches are a blessing: they keep out false teachers. A bad church gives a bad teacher somewhere to go other than to your good church.
We should pray for those that are in false churches: both the members and their leadership. What is being taught will send them to hell if they do not repent. They must be evangelized with the true gospel of Jesus Christ. God will call out his elect from these false churches.
…then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment… (2 Peter 2:9)
False churches are then a curse to those within them, and a blessing to the overall body of Christ.
This article was originally published at WillSandersBlog
Source: False Churches are a Blessing, Entreating Favour, http://entreatingfavor.com/false-churches-are-a-blessing/?utm_source=ReviveOldPost&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ReviveOldPost, Accessed 13/03/2015.
Hillsong Church Watch 
Exellent article! And the link to other increfible articles there . Thanks Church watch! Keep up the good work!
“False churches, thus, are a blessing. First, they keep a lot of false converts out of good churches. There are enough false believers in our doctrinally sound churches already. If we closed all the false churches, where do you think their members would go? A lot would end up in your local, Bible-believing place of worship. Then they would undoubtedly begin to make changes to what is taught, which brings up the second reason false churches are a blessing: they keep out false teachers. A bad church gives a bad teacher somewhere to go other than to your good church”
I am sorry, but there is something deeply disturbing and illogical about this argument. Let’s break this down….
a) False churches keep false converts out of good churches.
b) There are already a lot of false converts in good churches.
c) If you closed all the false churches all the false believers would end up in the good churches.
d) Then the false believers would corrupt the good teaching
e) False churches gives false teachers somewhere to go other than a good church.
First of all, point A contradicts point B.
Secondly, point C is a hypothetical and not worth discussing because it will never happen and also because it assumes that the false believers wouldn’t simply start their own church, which in fact is often the case in reality when they are ousted from another church.
Thirdly, point D is sweeping and generalised in that, yes, false believers can introduce false teaching, but in the good churches I have attended, their influence has been minimal mainly because of the common sense of the other congregants and the maturity of the leaders. Also because the other believers generally have a fair amount of discernment and know that this person with the weird ideas is not somebody they care to spend much time with.
Fourthly, point E is kind of redundant because it also contradicts point A AND point B.
This is both the most confusing and the most simplistic argument I have heard in a long time. Not only does it employ a number of weird logic statements but most of these statements are predicated by the belief that churches fall into two categories, good and bad. And that bad churches only have bad believers and that good churches generally have good believers with apparently a smattering of bad believers.
However, by this argument, good churches which apparently already contain a lot of false converts are probably in the process of being corrupted by these false converts who according to the author will inevitably bring about the demise of the ‘good church’ with their false teachings.
Let’s back up a bit here and re-examine the facts.
a) Churches have always been the subject of spiritual attack in the form of false gospels, false brethren and false teachers or apostles. Paul mentioned them frequently.
b) Churches have always been a mixture of good and bad teaching as the warnings to the churches in the book of Revelation prove. Jesus rebuked six of the seven churches mentioned and said he ‘had this against them’ and that they needed to repent or they would be punished. He did however start by telling he knew of their good works. Many of these churches reproved bad teachers and doctrine, others didn’t. The Ephesian church however, the one who hated the doctrine of the Nicolaitians and also successfully recognise the false apostles had left their first love and this was a grave error. They could definitely not be described as a ‘good church’ by these definitions.
c) Believers are at all times in danger of being deceived by false teachers and false doctrines regardless of which church they attend
d) In my ten year study of current church trends I have not yet discovered one ‘good’ teacher or church which does not have at least ten percent of their teaching which needs to be given some healthy distance.
My conclusions are that all of us are susceptible to deception regardless of which church we attend. We must never place any teacher or other believer up on a pedestal of being 100% correct or good or perfect because this will inevitably lead to disappointment.
I should also point out that the ‘church’ that becomes corrupted by false teaching has not come to that point due to the ‘false believers’ or ‘false teachers’ which may be present in it’s midst. Every believer is accountable for bringing their brothers and sisters to repentance when it comes to false teaching, and if every member of any church is doing what they are meant to do, the rise of corrupt doctrine will not overturn the church. Much prayer, fasting, communication, love, compassion, empathy and kindness is needed in the practice of the ideas discussed here. I also speak from experience having attended an abusive church which preached an ugle false doctrine similar to that of the catholic teachings and controlled its members with fear and coercion. People left this church traumatised and with shipwrecked faith and often went from bad to worse in their desire to find a ‘good’ church. The elders of this church who knew the church was headed on the rocks did nothing to prevent it in the same way that the congreation members which supported it likewise shunned anyone who stood up and rejected the teaching. It was truly a lose lose situation. This church was not however devoid completely of true believers. Deceived for a time yes, but not lost, as their subsequent recovery has proven.
What is not helpful are sweeping generalised statements which do not stand up to reasonable analysis and instead invoke irrational and emotional responses. Statements like the above tend to polarise and divide the body of Christ into ‘us’ and ‘them’ and whichever church or teacher you have is always the ‘true’ one and those idiots over there who believe something else are the ‘false’.
We know something is true or not by whether it is evidenced in God’s word, and yes, there are definitely false teachers and converts. But to assign some kind of all-powerful ability to these people to totally wipe out all that is good and true in the body of Christ is to give Satan more credit than is his due.
Some of the statements are too overgeneralised – That’s one weakness of short-ish blog posts – but I agree with the overall conclusion.
e.g. I would change (a) to false churches keep SOME false converts out of SOME good churches.
After all even if a “perfect” church has perfect preacher(s)/pastor(s) with 100% born-again Christians eventually a tare will spring up amongst the wheat.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13%3A24-30&version=KJV
Thank you “More Amused than Annoyed”, the only well thought through and unbiased response here.
Church Watch can, in love, gently rebuke Hillsong (initially directly, not in a public forum) when the teaching is imbalanced / out of line, but to generally denigrate all is downright destructive.
Quit being like the Pharisees, judging, biting and devouring Hillsong, doing it’s best to promote Jesus and His gospel of grace.
Truth & Love – thanks for commenting. A question, do you believe it’s appropriate for Brian Houston to continue his endorsement of T.D.Jakes, well-known WOF prosperity doctrine proponent and modalist (denies the Trinity)?
Ah yes T&L..’your’ advice is to gently rebuke hillsong. The [oh so dated] Pharisee label is there as well. Remember when Brian houston started twittering about all the pharisees and evil people. Would you mind asking brian to tone it down a little as well? “Biting” and “devouring” hillsong? Scary….Not sure what that is all about, but when will brian help those sexual abuse victims whilst promoting Jesus Christ?
Quite a while back I listened to Dr James White’s sermon on “the blessing of apostasy” and he addresses this issue very well. http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9261014442410
In response to chuchwatcher re Brian Houston’s endorsement of TD Jakes: personally I do not think it’s wise for him to support / align himself with TD Jakes, especially as Hillsong has moved away from false prosperity teachings.
Like all concerning issues, let’s put this one to Brian Housten direct (I know that BH is humble enough to listen / learn and weigh up all) and pray for repentance.
With God all things are possible.
“[…] Hillsong has moved away from false prosperity teachings.”
Really? So has Brian Houston publicly apologised and returned all of the money that he has taken under false pretences over the years? Has he admitted that he is not a minister of the gospel, and has thus been guilty of perpetrating a massive fraud against those to whom he has “preached”?
“[…] let’s put this one to Brian Housten [sic] direct[ly] […]”
Since you’re so keen, why don’t *you* try doing that, and see exactly how much “truth and love” you can get out of Brian?
“With God all things are possible.”
Quite true. It’s too bad that Brian is not “with God”, and thus has not found salvation.
If you are having difficulty grasping what is being said in this article, consider Paul’s words to the Corinthians churches:
For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.” 1 Corinthians 11:18-19
so far out…watch the fruit of Hillsong; people are meeting Jesus – many are starting in other churches – and Brian Houston are under a board. Hillsongs are not the same around the world. Thats’s the problem; these pages like this is super for Satan..dividing the church with doubt and fear.
Correction – the board MUST submit to the vision and direction of Brian Houston since he is on the board.
Correction – Hillsongs are practically identical in their overall presentation and cult-like control. You should see the testimonies we get.
There is no difference between Brian Houston and Aaron in Exodus 32: they point to a golden calf and say: “Behold your Jesus that saves you”.
We will ask you the same question Moses asked Israel: “Who is on the LORD’s side?” It was God who killed the idolaters and false worshipers who caused DIVISION in the camps of Israel. Similarly, the church is to excommunicate such people. You would be wise to fear God first and to keep His Word. Your fear is in men and it’s showing.
“[h]illsongs are not the same around the world.”
Yeah, right – the same way the McDonalds are not the same around the world. (Would you like to get fried with your fake gospel?)
“[…] these pages [divide] the church with doubt and fear.”
Sorry to have to break it too you Stjern, but hillsong has nothing whatsoever to do with God’s church, and neither does Brian “You Need More Money” Houston or any of his empty-headed lieutenants or hangers-on.
Anyway, it’s good to see that the endless parade of mindless and monosyllabic morons of which you are a part continues to parrot pathetic cliches in defence of the hillsong cult. Nothing at all could better exemplify the hordes of air-heads who are attracted by the inane utterances of hillsong’s gurus of self-indulgence than those IQ-challenged individuals who rally here in support of their beloved Brian.
stjernholmens..
“watch the fruit of Hillsong; people are meeting Jesus”
people are meeting the 2 cor 11:4 imposter Jesus.. watch closely pal.. nfg
I notice that Hillsong’s critics use some of Brian Housten’s old teachings (taken out of context, a bit like taking Bible verse’s / passages out of context) to denigrate all. With no acknowledgement that he has listened, clarified, often modified or recanted.
Take current, valid concerns directly to Brian Housten, pray for him and see how genuinely he responds / repents.
(eg Watch Hillsong’s live stream, last Sunday’s sermon, a simple but life changing message).
Truth & Love – if you can show exactly where Brian Houston (not Housten) is taken out of context, we will be happy to correct. And we would appreciate all the instances where he has responded, recanted, or repented of his false teaching. His own use of various bible translations to make the scriptures meet his personal eisegesis has been well noted particularly when he preached for Rick Warren at Saddleback.
And it’s interesting to note he didn’t even believe the word “modalist” is in the dictionary when reminded. Considering the high value Christians place on sound teaching about the Trinity, a high profile leader like Brian Houston really is without excuse.
Truth & Love – if you think this site is the “voice” expressing concern about Hillsong and Brian Houston, here’s one of many other voices in the Christian community.
http://davidould.net/?p=6779
“I notice that [h]illsong’s critics use some of Brian Housten’s [sic] old teachings […]”
Well at least you are half-right, T&L: all of Brian’s stuff is old, but none of it is teachings.
On another note: how much credibility do you think you have as an apologist for Brian when you can’t even spell his name correctly? (I do hope you aren’t working on a commission basis, because I strongly suspect that Brian will be asking for his money back if that’s the case).
European spellcheck, so sorry…your remarks just show that you are full of hatred. I hope that Christ will enlighten your heart. And you have more focus on Brian Houston than I have.
I have been to different churches around the world; latest one Hillsong Kiev, and all around the world I see churches with their own cultural identity and ways of handling the service. Hillsong is acknowledged by all bible based churches globally. And yes, I get a mega mega commission; being blessed by God.
I’m from a Pentecostal bible University and I’m not blended by Hillsong. I’m working for God. Satan wants to divide the body of Christ. Is that your commission?
Peter – people are welcome to comment here (usually without censorship if they stay on topic). “Full of hatred”? Yes, in a sense, some are and that’s often the result of their journey out of very traumatic church experiences. Those who are truly His eventually move on and heal. Did you happen to read this article we published in a comment yesterday?
http://davidould.net/?p=6779
The above is written by a highly respected pastor in the Anglican church in Australia, and his observations are very accurate.
“Simply and clearly put, Hillsong deliberately and repeatedly embraces those the Scriptures describe as being accursed. They welcome those we are told to have nothing to do with. They promote wolves amongst the flock of God and hand the flock over to be devoured.”
Are Hillsong churches autonomous? I believe we have acknowledged that many are, however if these churches are livestreaming Brian on a regular basis then we can safely say “Houston we have a problem”. Sadly movements like Hillsong and a lot of the people attending like to imply these more conservative men and their churches do not have the Holy Spirit, which would mean they aren’t Christians (although we all receive the Holy Spirit in full at conversion, a seal guaranteeing our salvation – the result of hearing the true gospel preached, not a watered-down seeker sensitive eisegetical infomercial)
Peter, you say “I get a mega mega commission; being blessed by God.” Can we assume you really mean that “mega mega commission” is not about you being blessed unless it’s rejoicing in the salvation of others?
Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
“I have been to different churches around the world;”
So what? Many persons have visited more churches than you. Even the Pope is visiting Pentecostal churches now. That fact alone adds nothing to your nor to anyone else’s credibility.
“Hillsong is acknowledged by all bible based churches globally.”
Acknowledged how? Many Bible-based churches acknowledge Hillsong as being led by an apostate man.
Acknowledged by “all?” All is a big word. Please show your source that proves “all.” All means 100%. My church is Bible-based yet we acknowledge that the leader of Hillsong is not committed to Bible-based teaching.
Hello Pyotr,
(I hope that spelling is correct; I sometimes get crossed up by my Russian spell-checker).
“[…] your remarks just show that you are full of hatred […]”
Yep, you got me there: my comments clearly belie me as a furiously churning cauldron of bile – a mendacious malefactor bent only on mischief and mayhem.
“And you have more focus on Brian Houston than I have.”
Actually, you are the who is completely obsessed with ensuring that Brian’s ill-deserved reputation remains unsullied. I simply view him as a pathetic weakling who has failed to make anything of his life – an object of scorn and pity who is rejected by the world as a talentless weak-kneed wannabe, and who is known by God as a clanging cymbal possessed only of an empty head and a desiccated spirit.
“I have been to different churches around the world […]”
And thus you prove true the words of Amos, who, under the unction of the Holy Spirit, wrote “People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.”
“[…] and all around the world I see churches with their own cultural identity and ways of handling the service”.
No you don’t: you see buildings full of people who have joined organisations run by men. There is only one church, and it comprises those who belong to God.
“[h]illsong is acknowledged by all bible based churches globally.”
It’s just too bad that hillsong is not acknowledged by God, isn’t it? Just as Jesus said:
“I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?”
You yourself prove those words true, since you put store by the praises of men and have gone on, quite logically, to receive Brian Houston, a man who comes in his own name.
“And yes, I get a mega mega commission […]”
You are a mega mega moron with a deficient intellect and no discernment.
“I’m from a Pentecostal bible University […]”
You do know, don’t you, that the term “pentecostal university” is an oxymoron?
“I’m working for God.”
Is that what you call Brian, then? You must surely be part of his inner circle.
Sorry about my spelling, my focus is on Jesus, souls being saved & love. While it’s probably the soul stirring music, contemporary & creative expression of faith which attracts many to Hillsong, God seems to also use unremarkable, surprisingly humble Brian Houston with his imperfect theology. Our Hillsong church (in QLD) sees an average of 4 new commitments weekly, with comprehensive follow up by dedicated volunteers. My friends in Hillsong are genuine loving Christians who are real, open, vibrant, mature, enthusiastic & joyful. (I’d previously attended a Sydney evangelical church for over 10 years, where most had good head knowledge but seemed to lack joy, love & like this site, focused on criticising rather than encouraging & building one another up. It was also painful to watch grown men having to sing primary school type songs. Plus had its own theological biases, gaps & manipulative financial generosity teachings). My evangelical background has made me hypervigilent to distorted, out of context Bible teaching. Hillsong has moved away from its early “prosperity gospel” leanings. Brian Housten recently said that he now avoids using the word “prosperity”, due to its negative associations. (He’d also publicly clarified / retracted what he’d said about God & Allah). About 2 months ago I’d sent an email to Brian re my concern about mis-use of the OT legalistic tithing principle, it may be a coincidence, but I’ve not heard him use the word “tithe” since. Generosity is encouraged (as does Paul in the NT). I’ve only just started reading HS church watch, so have probably missed a lot of the discussion which has led to what seems to be quite unloving, venomous outrage against Hillsong. So far the attacks seem to be very general and baseless, however when I have more time, I will try to look at the specifics. In the meantime I implore you to pray, examine yourselves (God knows our motives), take the log out of your own eyes & try approaching Brian Houston direct with valid, specific concerns. I’m all for accountability & keeping each other on track, but please do it out of a motive of love, patiently, gently & constructively. (Sorry times short, rushed on phone…).
Truth & Love – really appreciate hearing your perspective as a Hillsong member. Your testimony is almost identical to many of those Hillsong members who have since left, in fact it’s identical to my own though I attended a different large church movement. If you spend some time researching the world-wide exodus from these movements you’ll find it actually is the message being preached that really isn’t biblical, sometimes it’s subtle, sometimes quite overt. Posting an article for you to read.
We are noticing that Brian Houston has replaced the word “prosperity” with “flourish”, “blessing” and “purpose”. That’s part of the subtlety.
https://hillsongchurchwatch.com/2014/08/21/houston-denies-teaching-prosperity-gospel-by-teaching-prosperity-gospel-part-1/
Yes T&L…I’m sure when the Apostle Peter rebuked Simon Magus for trying to buy and counterfeit the Holy Spirit…You would have admonished them? You would have implored the handpicked Apostle and companion of Jesus Christ to be ‘sensitive’ and not declare the truth in public? You need to read your Bible more closely friend.
“So far the attacks seem to be very general and baseless, however when I have more time, I will try to look at the specifics.”
Yes, please do that. I would suggest the Royal Commission transcripts to find out what brian and hillsong think about the sexually abused victims of his father, and how he will never help them, morally or financially.
I also implore you to pray about your words/comments and WHAT you think you are defending. I read NO love for the Holy Bible..only an infatuation for brian houston and his corporate hillsong. As you say….examine your motives.
“It was also painful to watch grown men having to sing primary school type songs.”
So you swapped the “primary school songs” of an evangelical gathering for the confused kindergarten theology of the perennially addle-brained Brian Houston? Sounds like a winning tactic to me – if the outcome you’re looking for is an express ticket to the Lake of Fire, that is…
@ Truth & love,
Let’s be honest, friend…
Your problem isn’t with this website, it’s with your own lack of knowledge and discernment.
You’ve been a Christian for over 10 years, and you still haven’t got a clue what’s going on at Hillsong? How is that possible? Sounds like a tip-off you need to spend less time in the Hillsong Mind Control Program, and more time in Prayer, the Word (and in your case a 40-day fast might not be a bad idea either).
“… out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks …“ (Mathew 12:34) (Luke 6:45).
“ … God knows your hearts…” (Luke 16:15).
“To some who were confident in their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, he told this parable … (he who said) ‘God have mercy on me a sinner’ went home justified by God’ …” (Luke 18: 9-13)
“If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone… (John 7:11).
“… not everyone …will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my father in heaven …” (Matthew 7:21)
“The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent.” (John 6:29)
“A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you … by this shall all men know you are my disciples…” (John 14:34-35)
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your father in heaven…” (Matthew 5:44-45)
“ … do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you … do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 27-31).
“… the Spirit of truth … will guide you into all truth …” John 16:13
“If you hold to my teaching … you will know the truth and the truth will set you free …” (John 8:31-32)
Jesus prays: “May they be bought to complete unity to let the world know you have sent me and have loved them …” (John 17:23).
“He who is not with me is against me and he who does not gather with me scatters…” Luke 11: 23.
I’ve been a Christian for over 30 years (not that time / age necessarily reflects wisdom / maturity), committed to 5 very different bible based churches and haven’t found a perfect curch or person yet)… I doubt that the justifed / saved sinner in Luke 18 had his theology perfect either.
(Thankfully, I’m a Christian due to perfect Jesus and my response to His free gift of grace through His death and resurrection).
I believe that all Bible and grace based churches, with their different styles and emphases, are part of the same body, all with something to offer / learn from. (Also to cater to personal taste and certain age groups. I also consider how I can contribute / give back).
Wollongong Figtree Anglican Church Of Christ is probably the best example of having it all: grace, truth, balanced biblical teaching, love in action (influenced by Colour) and dare I say it attractive (some Hillsong) music!
I visited Hillsong about 20 years ago and found it trashy, loud and showy, felt repelled. I visited Hillsong about 10 years ago and the teaching endorsed (perhaps too much) getting rich to achieve more for God. I felt uneasy that many poor were possibly giving to make a few people rich. (One of the reasons I’m all for greater accountability).
By default I’ve found myself in another Hillsong church, as my previous church (with all my dear friends) was taken over. I’ve decided to remain for now, as I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find (so far) that the teaching is generally good and bible based. Brian Houston (beamed in) and other leaders seem to have reached a new level of maturity and humbleness. The gospel is clearly explained at least once each service (at least as as part of an “alter call”). Multiple souls are being saved.
Whatever you think of Hillsong and Brian Houston, Jesus makes it clear that we are to love one another, we’re to be unified (appreciate differences and learn from one another) and rejoice in souls being saved.
I’m going to go where there’s truth, grace and love …
If you think that Hillsong, Brian Houston and I are deluded, false prophets, have bad motives, etc, pray for (don’t judge) us!
This site would be more credible if the concerns expressed are accurate, fair, contemporary and out of a motive / with words of love. (We will be called to account for every careless word. May our words bring life). Better still, write to /approach Brain Houston direct.
Without love, all that great Bible knowledge will be unheard clanging cymbals.
(PS I heard Brian Houston speak words of compassion towards child sexual abuse victims. We don’t know what arrangements he’s made privately. Is it just / fair to judge and ask him to pay for the sins / choices of his parents?).
“Brian Houston (beamed in) and other leaders seem to have reached a new level of maturity and humbleness.”
Huh??? “Seem” is right. It’s nothing more than “seem.” Definitely not reality.
Your evidence for this conclusion please.
P.S. Quoting 50 verses means nothing if you are not applying them all correctly. Anybody can get a list from Google in 30 seconds.